Former India captain Virat Kohli and his wife Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma announced the birth of their second child on Tuesday. The couple revealed that they have welcomed Vamika's little brother Akaay into the world. Not long after the news broke out, cricket legend and Kohli's cricketing idol Sachin Tendulkar took to social media to congratulate the couple in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter).
"Congratulations to Virat and Anushka on the arrival of Akaay, a precious addition to your beautiful family! Just like his name lights up the room, may he fill your world with endless joy and laughter. Here's to the adventures and memories you'll cherish forever. Welcome to the world, little champ!" Tendulkar wrote in response to Kohli's announcement post.
Kohli and Anushka requested for privacy at this moment.
Virat Kohli Unavailable For 5-Match Home Series Against England
On the workfront, Kohli has been away from cricketing action. While the right-handed batter had been unavailable for selection due to "personal reasons", it can now be safely assumed that the 35-year-old wanted to attend the birth of his second child and be with his wife for the special occasion. Kohli will continue to be unavailable for the remaining two Test matches of the home series against England in which India are currently leading 2-1.
Kohli-less India lost the opening Test match in Hyderabad but have since then bounced back to won their next two Test matches in Visakhaptanam and Rajkot. However, India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who is the leading wicket-taker in the series, has been handed a rest in the fourth Test match in Ranchi and it would be interesting to see who gets to take his place in the side and whether that would mean a change in fortune for the Three Lions whose Bazball approach fell flat at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.